Independent Security Advisors LLC

Executive Protection Training: Day 1, Part 2

A Closer Look at Communications

Because protective operations may be provided by a solo agent or a full detail in various types of locations and scenarios or situations, officers, troopers, deputies, and or, private sector agents attending executive protection training must be exposed to, and, openly discuss, the basic principles of communication. In fact North Carolina training requirements include -Communications with the Protectee-.

But ISA also discusses proper interpersonal communication with staff, fellow agents, members of the public, law enforcement, and others an agent may come in contact or work with.

Not stopping there, we take on the difficult topics of personal demographics and how they affect interpersonal communication and working together within a detail, or with others and the client. Race, color, religion, politics, sexual orientation etc, each is a factor in interpersonal communication. In fact, how a detail interacts with say a detail from another agency or country is a must have discussion if agents are to be successful.

Protocol is an important factor for any agent to understand and falls inline with effective communications. Often poor non-verbal presentation and communication skills can affect situational awareness. This in turn can lead to embarrassing situations for the agent and the client, so we discuss the elements of protocol from that perspective.

Where to start:

We start with the ISA course IPC 100 Communication Theory which includes concurrent discussions and material from SOC 100 Demographics and the Evolution of the Detail and
IPC 101 Etiquette and Rapport. let’s look at each discussion and the learning objectives.

IPC 100 Communication Theory

Description: This class discusses interpersonal communication and building trust within the protective service detail, and includes a facilitated discussion of the challenges of effective communication with others.

Learning Outcome: Students will discuss the fundamentals of interpersonal communication and trust, and how the protective service details have been affected by changes in societal norms, with respect to electronic, verbal and non-verbal communication.

*Here is a hint, e-mail and text is not a primary means of effective communication.

The learning objectives that students will demonstrate upon completion of this class are as follows:

Understand the factors of interpersonal communication and trust, and
Demonstrate, by way of a verbal presentation, an understanding of the evolution of the methods of interpersonal communication.

This is followed by and concurrent with

Executive Protection Training SOC 100 Demographics and the Evolution of the Detail

Description: This discussion provides an overview of the demographic and interpersonal changes and challenges the protective detail has seen over time and still contends with today.

Things like woman agents in a “mans” world; race and sexual orientation; as well as civilians vs. military vs. law enforcement sub categories.

Learning Outcome: The students will discuss how the protective service detail has been affected by changes in societal norms with respect to demographics, acceptable behavior, and relationships within society as a whole. Agents will understand the changes to what was, and what is now acceptable, within the detail and with the client.

The learning objectives that students will demonstrate upon completion of this class are as follows:

Students will analyze the how changes to what is “acceptable” within society has affected agent selection, trust, and how we each may be affected by differences in age, race, gender, culture, religion, politics, and personal philosophy.
Understand the challenges to establishing a working and trusted relationship with your team and the protectee; and
Demonstrate, by way of a verbal presentation, an understanding of the historical evolution, changes to the demographic, and agent selection criteria, for a protective service detail.

Both classes will then lead into #executiveprotectiontraining, @executiveprotectiontraining

Executive Protection Training IPC 101: Etiquette and Rapport

Description: Students will discuss the basic rules and importance of etiquette, dress code, and protocol, within a close protection environment, and discuss some of the client’s various customs or belief systems that may be of concern to the agent.

Learning Outcomes: Students will utilize critical thinking and analytical skills to understand the importance of etiquette, dress code, and protocol, within a close protection environment, and discuss or demonstrate how to properly dress and deal with challenging situations, other close protection teams while not posing any potential social liability to a client.

The learning objectives that students will demonstrate upon completion of this class are as follows:

Explain the importance and basic rules for protocol, personal hygiene (including the overusing of fragrances), politeness, dress code, and etiquette within a close protection environment, social situations or events.
Understand the proper/improper conduct, protocol, and etiquette for a client with different cultural norms
Understand the proper/improper conduct, protocol, and etiquette for working alongside other close protection teams and the general public.
Demonstrate how to properly dress and conduct yourself on the detail without posing any potential social liability to a client.

Executive Protection Training